Gotthard Bernina Circular Tour

Experience a world of blue and white all in one day

A new one-day circular tour combines the best the Swiss railway network has to offer: The day trip starts in Zurich and goes through the new Gotthard base tunnel to Lugano. You then take the brand-new Bernina Express Bus to Tirano, where you join the Bernina Express to travel through sunny Valposchiavo up to glaciers and through the Albula Valley to Chur. Round it all off by enjoying the relaxing last stretch of the journey past Lake Walensee and Lake Zurich to Zurich. This impressive day trip can be booked from CHF 77 and is valid until 29 October 2017.

Zurich – LuganoAt the start you travel along the shores of fantastic Lake Lucerne. The next highlight soon follows: the amazing new 57-kilometre long Gotthard base tunnel from Erstfeld to Bodio brings the magical south a full 30 minutes closer.

Lugano – TiranoOut of the tunnel and back into the light: palm trees and a Mediterranean climate welcome you to the charming Lugano. And your circular tour continues in the brand-new Bernina Express Bus. Tirano offers the genuine feel of Italian lifestyle: in the squares and alleys of the Italian border town, pizza, ice cream and coffee are the temptations at lunchtime.

Tirano – ChurYour trip then continues in the Bernina Express towards Chur. The railway is harmoniously embedded in the mountain world of Bernina and Albula. 55 tunnels, 196 bridges and gradients of up to 7 per cent – all mastered with ease. Perched majestically at 2,253 metres above sea level is the 'roof' of the RhB, the Ospizio Bernina. The Tirano - Valposchiavo - Thusis section is part of the UNESCO World Heritage route and is a true landmark of the Rhaetian Railway.

Chur – ZurichThe trip on the Bernina Express ends in Chur which is where you start your homeward journey. You can relax over a cup of coffee and enjoy the trip in your reserved seat along the shores of Lake Walensee and Lake Zurich back to Zurich. This is the crowning glory of your exciting travel experience.

Gift voucher

A fascinatingly different gift. Looking for the perfect gift for your loved ones? Why not give them an unforgettable experience with the Rhaetian Railway!

Gotthard base tunnel

At 57 kilometres the new Gotthard tunnel is the longest rail tunnel in the world and forms the core of the New Railway Link through the Alps (NRLA). It embodies Swiss values such as innovation, precision and reliability, and gets people and goods from north to south and vice versa more quickly and reliably. Faster, more frequent and more convenient connections as well as new and modernized rolling stock considerably increase the quality of the north/south axis. For more information take a look at www.sbb.ch/gotthard

Albula/Bernina UNESCO World Heritage route

The Albula and Bernina section of track is a masterpiece in terms of civil engineering and routing. Landscape and railway blend into one: in wide radiuses, ingenious man-made structures punctuate rugged valleys. The Landwasser Viaduct, the helical tunnels between Bergün and Preda and the Brusio Circular Viaduct all stand testimony to the early, pioneering days of the railway.

Lake Walensee and Lake Zurich

The trip along the shores of Lake Walensee and Lake Zurich is the perfect way to enjoy the end of your journey in a relaxed manner and against a fantastic backdrop. Enjoy the view of the glistening water while you reflect on the impressions of the day.

Fares and sales

Flat-rate package per person:

2nd class 1/2

2nd class 1/1

1st class 1/2

1st class 1/1

CHF 77.00

CHF 121.00

CHF 108.00

CHF 183.00

The price includes the ticket for the entire stretch of the circular tour as well as the seat reservations and supplements for the Bernina Express Bus, Bernina Express train and the SBB section Chur – Zurich. In addition you will receive a voucher for CHF 5.00 for the Elvetino Railbar, which can be redeemed on the Chur – Zurich section.

SalesThe offer is valid until 29 October 2017. Make sure you book your seat online in good time. For more information or should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Railservice on +41 81 288 65 65.

Bernina Express

The railway is unique, blending ideally with the alpine landscapes around the Albula and Bernina Passes. The train negotiates the 55 tunnels, 196 bridges and inclines of up to 70 per mille with ease. At the highest point on the RhB, 2,253 metres above sea level, you will find the Ospizio Bernina. The railway line from Thusis - Valposchiavo - Tirano has UNESCO World Heritage status. Thanks to the modern panoramic cars, you will enjoy unrestricted views of the unspoilt Alpine panorama. More information on the Bernina Express can be found here.

Observation-carPanoramic view through the very large windows; generously equipped, air-conditioned carriages. Our comfortable observation-cars have 1st- and 2nd-class sections.

The first class observation-cars have spacious and comfortable single or double seats. As there are fewer passengers in these carriages, your trip will be quieter and more relaxed. In addition, passengers have the possibility to use the on board audio guide and listen to interesting information on the UNESCO World Heritage route or they can borrow inspiring and educational books from the new on-board library.

The second-class observation cars have comfortable double seats with plenty of leg room.

Now available free of charge and exclusively in first class: Bernina Express InfoT(r)ainment

Your personal travel companion with audio guide. Call up the new InfoT(r)ainment system free of charge on your smartphone or tablet. The digital travel companion provides you with interesting stories and information, shows you the route live on the map and provides information at all times on how fast the train is going on the UNESCO World Heritage route. Find out more here.

Headphones are available at the minibar for just CHF 2.00.

Refreshments

Just what you're looking for: on the Bernina Express, the roving minibar has delicacies to suit all tastes. Fine regional snacks and refreshing drinks are served directly at your seat. You will find the current Bernina Express menu here (German).

Fresh from the region and served directly at your seat: providing you order in advance, our on-board personnel will be happy to serve cold platters of regional delicacies. Would you like to treat yourself to these culinary delights or perhaps surprise your friends and family on their trip on the Bernina Express with one of our platters? Book here (at least 72 hours before departure)

This train does not have a restaurant car. Lunch is available in Poschiavo or in Tirano (Italy).

The SBB trains have a minibar or a dining car (Zurich main station – Lugano and Chur – Zurich main station). The circular ticket includes a voucher for CHF 5.00 which can be redeemed at the Elvetino on the Chur - Zurich stretch.

Border crossing

If you are travelling to Tirano and/or Lugano you will need a passport or identity card to cross the border.

Gotthard Panorama Express

Tip: Those with two or more days to spare can travel on the new Gotthard Panorama Express from Zurich to Lugano. More information on the Gotthard Panorama Express.

The Gotthard Bernina Circular Tour package deal cannot be used when booking the Gotthard Panorama Express (flat-rate package not valid).

Gift voucher

A fascinatingly different gift. Looking for the perfect gift for your loved ones? Why not give them an unforgettable experience with the Rhaetian Railway!